Shielding device for foot pain and discomfort

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a shielding device for foot pain and discomfort generally associated with diabetics suffering from the effects of peripheral neuropathy. More specifically, the discomfort experienced when the users foot comes in contact with surrounding objects such as floors and bedding. This invention is comprised of six elements, but is not limited to using all six of them simultaneously. This device has an applied stationary or removable stiff and very smooth surface making contact with the foot, or an applied removable stiff appliance contained within a sleeve adjacent to the foot. Additionally the device has a protective perimeter boundary between the foot and the surrounding environment, with a secure means to wear the device. The invention is effectively a device with a perimeter and a securing fit held fast to the feet. The use of this invention will sanction the feet to a nearly neutral environment, allowing the user to have less pain and discomfort associated with neuropathy or diabetes.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit two provisional applications:Application 61/998,068 file date 2014-6-18 applicant Gerald EdwinColeman Application 62/178,492 file date 2015-4-13 applicant GeraldEdwin Coleman

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable

REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING

Not applicable

BACKGROUND of the INVENTION

Pain and discomfort associated with peripheral neuropathy is certainly acondition that needs attention. Peripheral neuropathy can result fromtraumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems, inherited causes andexposure to toxins. The most common cause is diabetes mellitus.Peripheral neuropathy, a result of damage to your peripheral nervesdisturbs as many as twenty million people. Other users of the inventioncould be persons suffering from medical conditions such as restless legsyndrome, plantar fasciitis, Parkinson's disease, or pregnancy.Sufferers narrate that motion of the feet against the bed sheets causesfriction on the bare feet to result in a horrific experience. Almost notouching, friction or movement is tolerable. Many diabetics sleep withtheir feet hanging off the side of the bed to avoid any contact. It isunpractical and uncomfortable to sleep this way all of the time. Whenthe device is worn, the feet will be isolated and will be experiencing aneutral, no friction, and no motion against the surfaces of the presentenvironment. The device will shield and protect sensitive feet, allowingthe user to sleep better and have protection while walking and awake athome. The invention has the benefit of a diabetic sock and shoe; it isdifferent because it is intended for indoor use and worn while sleepingin bed. The invention provides the important feature of the soft smoothsurfaces for soothing the foot and a stiff boundary between the foot andits surroundings. The invention is effectively calming the feet withsmooth soft barrier surfaces, providing a protective perimeter and asecuring fit held fast to the feet. The use of this invention willsanction the feet to a nearly neutral environment, allowing the user tohave less pain and discomfort associated with neuropathy or diabetes.Therefore concluding it would be useful to have a device that would beworn as a sock or as a sandal/slipper that would provide comfort as wellas protection for those suffering from the ill effects caused byperipheral neuropathy and/or other medical conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a footwear sole structure capableof relieving pain and discomfort of a user with peripheral neuropathy.It has been discovered that a device comprised of a knit tubular sleeve,a stiff properly dimensioned appliance inserted into the sleeve willprovide relief of pain and discomfort caused by peripheral neuropathy.The device could also be comprised of a lower sole with an uppercomponent of straps or an upper component permanently fastened to thelower sole resembling a sandal or slipper respectfully. The sleeve orsandal/slipper has a smooth inner surface either applied to or implantedinto the sleeve or sandal/slipper. The very smooth surface will makecontact at the sole, sides, or upper portion of the foot. When thedevice is constructed as a sandal/slipper the lower soles will be astructure with stiffness. The contact surface to the foot will be formfitting from the heel as an indention; to the bottom portion arch of thefoot as an elevation; to the ball of the foot as an indention continuingto indentions to fit the toes. When the device is constructed as a knitsleeve, an appliance is inserted into the sleeve. The surface of theappliance will be form fitting from the heel as an indention; to thebottom portion arch of the foot as an elevation; to the ball of the footas an indention continuing to indentions to fit the toes. The lower soleor the inserted appliance of the device is comprised of rubber, or othercomposites. The lower sole or appliance is designed to be flexibleenough for walking ability yet have enough stiffness to support thefoot. Stiff support to the feet while sleeping is important because itholds the foot flat and straight preventing cupping and arching downwardknown as “planter”. Plantar is a major cause of the pain and discomfort.The outer perimeter of the lower/sole or appliance is made larger thanthe user foot profile. The dimensions outside the profile of the footbecome a protective barrier to the foot, protecting the foot fromlateral objects in the surrounding environment. The device perimeterwill make contact with the objects isolating the foot from makingcontact to the surrounding environment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It is recommended by the applicant the use of FIG. 12 as the front pagedrawing

FIG. 1 is a side section view of users' foot inside of the tube 1 andappliance 2

FIG. 2 is a perspective top view of the users' foot as it is positionedon to the appliance 2 the appliance edge 4 the foot edge 5 and boundary3

FIG. 3 is perspective top front views of the device as it could be usedreplacing the element of the tube 1, worn like a sandal/slipper;depicting strap 6 hooks 8 loops 9 lower sole 7 and boundary 3

FIG. 4 is a prospective left front view depicting use as a slipper usinga lower sole 7 upper component 10 and boundary 3

FIG. 5 is a section view of the appliance upper half 11 appliance lowerhalf 12 and insert stiffener 13

FIG. 6 is a bottom view showing the stiffener insert 13 appliance edge 4foot edge 5 and boundary 3

FIG. 7 is a prospective left front view of the tube 1 tube opening 14tubular knit termination 15 reciprocating knit beginning 16 single layerextension 17 reciprocating knit termination 18 cuff stitch beginning 19retainer 20 tube sole 22 single layer extension top surface 24

FIG. 8 is a left front prospective view of a fold line 21 tube sole 22Cuff fold 23 single layer extension top surface 24

FIG. 9 is a prospective view of stitching 25 tube 1 tube opening 14 andretainer 20

FIG. 10 is a left front prospective view showing motion 31 turning thetube 1 inside out through tube opening 14 retainer 20 and stitching 25

FIG. 11 is a section view of the device after the single layer extension17 has been turned inside the tube 1 to form the appliance pocket 30with the retainer 20 in final position

FIG. 12 is a section view showing the users' foot in the device with thetube 1 appliance 2 retainer 20 appliance pocket 30 the users' heel 26instep 27 ball of foot 28 toes 29

DETAILED DESCRIPTION of the INVENTION

The invention will incorporate the use of as many as six elements toachieve the desired results. This invention can be used with all sixelements or used with any combination of them individually. The firstelement is a knit tube 1 constructed of a yarn material with one openend 14 resembling a sock. The second element is an appliance pocket 30formed within the tube 1 and positioned to receive the third element anappliance 2 with a significant function. The fourth element is aretainer 20 with the purpose of imprisoning the appliance 2. The fifthelement is a lower sole 7 and the sixth element is an upper component10.

As discussed above, the third element of the device is an appliance 2with a significant function; the following two statements will makeclarification.

-   -   1. Stiff support to the feet while sleeping is important because        it holds the foot flat and straight preventing cupping and        arching downward known a “Plantar”. This is the condition that        occurs as nerve damage progresses. There is a coefficient of        flexibility in the appliance 2 achieving a median flexibility        accommodating both aspects necessary. The first is stiffness        adequate to keep the foot flat enough to prevent plantar. The        second is adequate flexibility to allow walking. Plantar        measurements are made in terms of N/kg (Newton's per kilogram)        and kPa (Kilopascals). Foot pressure resistance required to        overcome bending the plantar plane to cause pain begins at a        coefficient greater than 1.0 N/kg and the required flexibility        to allow walking is less than 3.0 N/kg. The appliance 2 is        designed to have coefficient of flexibility greater than 1.0        N/kg and less than 3.0 N/kg.    -   2. The outer perimeter of the appliance edge 4 is made larger        than the profile of the users' foot edge 5. Achieving the proper        distance of barrier 3 protection is a function to be determined        in proportion to the size of users' foot. A very small amount of        barrier 3 is all that is required. A range of distance from 5 to        15 millimeter's is sufficient. See FIG. 6.    -   3. The first element is the tube 1 must be knit of a yarn and in        a method assuring a softness desired to touch. The use of hybrid        yarns such as hollow core synthetics, bamboo, and newer        technology will aid to the desired moisture wicking and        softness.    -   4. The tube 1 will be knit starting at the open end 14 using a        circular process normal to any sock. After the tube 1 has been        constructed to the point of the tubular knit end 15 the        reciprocating knit beginning 16 is started generating the single        layer extension 17 and continuing to the point of the        reciprocating termination 18 where the cuff stitch begins 19        forming the fourth element a retainer 20. See FIG. 7    -   5. The single layer extension 17 is turned back and down toward        the tube under side 22 at the fold 21 line. See FIG. 8    -   6. Then the surface of the tube under side 22 and the surface of        the single layer extension top surface 24 are matched and        stitched 25 together. See FIG. 9    -   7. Reaching down through the tube open end 14 to the retainer 20        and then with a pulling motion 31 See FIG. 10 the retainer 20        will come through the tube open end 14 making a sock with the        second element an appliance pocket 30. See FIG. 11    -   8. The fourth element the appliance 2 can be inserted through        the tube open end 14 and placed into the appliance pocket 30 See        FIG. 12.

What is claimed is: 1) Device to protect the wearers' foot isolating thefoot from its surrounding environment comprising: A material formed intoa tube 1 having at least one open end 14, and an appliance
 2. 2) Theappliance 2 of claim 1 further claims the appliance 2 is inserted intosaid tube
 1. without any method to retain the appliance
 2. Shown FIG. 13) The appliance 2 of claim 1 further comprising of very soft smoothsurface on the said appliance 2 adjacent to the wearers' feet. 4) Theappliance 2 of claim 1 further comprising of dimensions cut to theappliance 2 larger than the profile of the wearers' foot to provide aprotective boundary 3 whereas the dimensions are purposely designed toprevent the wearer' foot to become struck and impacted by means offeeling the surrounding environment. Shown FIG. 2 5) The tube 1 of claim1 further comprising of a pocket 30 designed to contain the an appliance2 whereas the said pocket 30 is inside the tube 1 positioned to receivean appliance
 2. Shown FIG. 11 6) The tube 1 of claim 1 furthercomprising of a single layer extension 17 designed to be folded underthe tube 1 and stitched 25 to the tube sole 22 and then turned insideout 31 whereas the tube forms the pocket
 30. Shown FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 7)The tube 1 of claim 1 further comprising of a retainer 20 designed toimprison the appliance 2 whereas the said retainer 20 utilizes a sockcuff stitch at the end of the single layer extension
 17. forming thesaid retainer
 20. Shown FIG. 11 8) The appliance 2 of claim 1 furthercomprising of an insert stiffener 13 designed to be imbedded between theappliance upper half 11 and the appliance lower half 12 whereas theinsert stiffener 13 designed to provide a coefficient of flexibility.Shown FIG. 5 9) The appliance 2 of claim 1 further comprising ofappliances halves 11 and 12 appliance upper half 11 and an appliancelower half 12 whereas manufactured of material such as rubber, foam,fiber, and any combination of composites designed to provide acoefficient of flexibility. Shown FIG. 5 10) The appliances halves 11and 12 of claim 1 h designed to provide a coefficient of flexibilityfurther claim the material used for each half are not necessarilysimilar materials and are not necessarily dissimilar materials. 11) Theappliances 11 and 12 of claim 1 h designed to provide a coefficient offlexibility further claim the said two halves of the said appliances 11and 12 can be manufactured as a single item. 12) The appliance of claim1 further comprising of a form fit to the users' foot whereas the saidappliance 2 is shaped with indentions 26, 28, and 29 additionally anelevation 27 to maintain a close fit to the foot particularly assistingto minimize any measurable plantar plane effect. Shown FIG. 12 13)Device to protect the wearers' foot isolating the foot from its'surrounding environment comprising: A structure with a lower sole 7 andan upper component
 10. and a boundary 3 Shown FIG. 4 14) The device ofclaim 2 further comprised of a means to retain the said device to thewearer' foot whereas the use of a hook 8 and loop 9 fastening systemattaches to the said retaining strap 6 and the said lower sole 7.resembling a sandal. Shown FIG. 3 15) The of device claim 2 furthercomprised of a means to retain the said device to the wearer' foot canbe fabricated as a combined structure whereas the said lower sole 7 andthe said upper component 10 are permanently attached resembling aslipper. Shown FIG. 4 16) The device of claim 2 further comprised ofdimensions cut to the said lower sole 7 larger than the profile of thewearers' foot to provide a protective boundary 3 whereas the dimensionsare purposely designed to prevent the wearer' foot to become struck andimpacted by means of feeling the surrounding environment. Shown FIG. 2